Trees With Red Leaves: A Spectacular Sight in Autumn
When autumn rolls around, one of the most beautiful sights to see are trees with red leaves. The contrast of the red leaves against the green background is simply stunning.
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy nature and get some exercise at the same time, consider going on a hike to see some trees with red leaves. In this guide, we will discuss some of the different types of trees that you might encounter.
11 Different Trees With Red Leaves
There are a variety of trees that boast red leaves, each with its own unique shape and color. Here are eleven different types of trees with red leaves:
1. Garnet maple (Acer rubrum 'Garnet')
This tree is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that is native to North America. The leaves are deeply lobed and have a rich, deep red color in autumn. The tree grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soils.
The garnet maple is a stunning tree that is sure to add color and beauty to your fall landscape. With its rich, deep red leaves, this tree is sure to stand out in any garden or yard.
2. Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria)
Classified as a shrub or small tree, the smokebush is a spectacular sight in autumn when its leaves turn a deep red. The smokebush is native to Europe and Asia, but can be found in many parts of the world. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and can grow to be 15 feet tall. This bush is perfect for adding some fall color to your garden.
The smokebush is a popular landscaping plant because it is easy to care for, and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. It is also deer resistant, which is an added bonus if you live in an area where deer are a problem.
3. American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
Native to the eastern United States, the American sweetgum is a popular ornamental tree. It’s easy to see why, as well. In autumn, its leaves turn a spectacular shade of red.
Sweetgums are also known for their spiky fruits, which resemble balls covered in spikes. American sweetgums can grow to be quite large, so make sure you have enough space for one before planting it in your yard.
4. Red-leaf euphorbia (Euphorbia canariensis)
The red-leaf euphorbia is a small tree or large shrub that is native to the Canary Islands. It has dark green leaves with red margins. In autumn, the leaves turn red.
The flowers are yellow, and appear in spring and summer. Red-leaf euphorbias are an evergreen tree. They can grow to a height of 15 feet (four meters).
5. Red Japanese maple (Acer palmatum)
These small to medium-sized trees are beloved for their graceful habit, beautiful foliage, and stunning fall colors. While there are many cultivars to choose from, ‘Sango-kaku’ is a popular variety that features bright coral-red leaves.
Red Japanese maples thrive in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Acer rubrum, or red maple, is a common sight in the eastern United States. These medium-sized deciduous trees are known for their brilliant fall foliage, which ranges in color from yellow to orange to deep red.
Red maples prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil. The bright red stems of this tree are also popular in winter floral arrangements.
6. Copper beech (Fagus sylvatica)
Copper beech is a deciduous tree that’s native to Europe. It’s also known as the common beech or European beech. Copper beech grows to a height of about 50 feet (15 meters).
The leaves are oval-shaped, and have a copper-colored hue when they first emerge in spring. They turn dark green in summer before changing to a deep red in autumn. Copper beech is a popular tree for ornamental plantings.
7. Red Silver flowering crabapple (Malus 'Coccinella')
This variety of crabapples is one of the most popular choices for landscaping because it’s not only beautiful, but also low-maintenance. It grows to be about 15 feet tall and wide, with a rounded shape. The leaves are dark green, and turn red in autumn. The flowers are white or pink, and appear in early spring.
8. Red Norway maple (Acer platanoides 'Schwedleri')
If you’re looking for a tree that will really stand out in your autumn landscape, look no further than the red Norway maple. This deciduous tree is known for its brilliant red leaves, which make it a standout in any garden.
The red Norway maple is a medium-sized tree, reaching up to 40 feet tall and wide. It’s also a fast-growing tree, so if you’re looking for immediate impact, this is the tree for you. Additionally, the red Norway maple is relatively tolerant of urban conditions, making it a good choice for city gardens.
9. Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
One of the earliest trees to bloom in spring, the redbud is a small tree with a large impact. In early spring, its branches are covered in bright magenta blossoms, providing a welcome pop of color after a long winter. Come fall, the leaves turn a deep red, providing a stunning contrast to the green of other trees.
10. Laceleaf Japanese maple (Acer palmatum dissectum)
The laceleaf Japanese maple is a deciduous tree that is native to Japan. It grows to a height of 15-20 feet, and has a spread of 12-15 feet. The leaves are deeply lobed and have a lacy appearance.
They are green in the spring and summer, but turn red in the fall. The tree produces small, red flowers in the spring. Laceleaf Japanese maples are best grown in full sun to partial shade.
They prefer moist, well-drained soil. Laceleaf Japanese maple trees are slow-growing, and can live for hundreds of years.
11. Photinia (Photinia fraseri)
This species of tree is originally from China, but it can now be found in many parts of the world. The Photinia has glossy, dark green leaves which turn red in autumn.
It’s a relatively small tree, only growing to around 15 meters tall. Photinia is often used as ornamental trees or hedges in gardens because of their beautiful leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the golden yellow flowering tree have red leaves in autumn?
No, the golden yellow flowering tree does not have red leaves in autumn. The leaves of this tree turn brown, and fall off in autumn. This is also a deciduous tree. Deciduous trees are trees that lose their leaves in autumn, and grow new ones in spring.
What is reddish-purple foliage?
Reddish purple foliage has leaves that are red and purple. This is usually seen in autumn when the leaves of trees change color.
How does the black gum tree get its name?
The black gum tree gets its name from the dark color of its bark. The bark is black or very dark brown. The leaves of this tree are green in summer, and turn red, orange, and yellow in autumn.
What is the best time to plant a redbud tree?
The best time to plant a redbud tree is in spring or fall. This tree grows best in USDA hardiness zones four through nine.
Trees with red leaves are a spectacular sight in autumn. They add color and beauty to the landscape, and they are also a source of food for wildlife. If you have the opportunity to plant a tree with red leaves, do so. You won’t be disappointed.